Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
UK Cryptoassets Regulatory Regime Set for October 2027
The UK published new regulations on February 4 defining regulated cryptoassets and activities like issuing stablecoins, safeguarding assets, and operating trading platforms, requiring FCA authorization from October 25, 2027. Firms can apply for authorization from September 30, 2026, to February 28, 2027, with no automatic conversion for current registrations.
A new admissions regime for public offers and market abuse rules are also introduced.
FCA Launches Mills Review on AI in Retail Financial Services
The FCA initiated the Mills Review on January 27 to assess how generative and agentic AI will impact retail financial services, consumers, and competition. Views are invited on AI evolution, market effects, and regulatory adaptations, with submissions due by February 24, 2026.
This examines AI's potential to reshape UK financial markets.
Stripe Unveils Tempo Blockchain for Cross-Border Payments
Stripe announced its Tempo blockchain on February 25, 2026, offering sub-second settlement finality to replace legacy payment rails for B2B stablecoin transactions. The blockchain aims to enhance efficiency in cross-border payments.
It targets improvements over traditional systems.
Stablecoins Pose Major Threat to Banks via Payments Adoption
Stablecoin payments are surging, with Visa and Mastercard-branded cards reaching $18 billion annualized spend, nearing P2P volumes and attracting everyday use like rent and groceries. Experts predict a $10 trillion market in 5-10 years as stablecoins enter B2B, treasury, and replace checking accounts, eroding bank liquidity control.
Banks worry as instant 24/7 settlements challenge their models.
Rowspace Launches with $50M Funding for AI in Finance
AI platform Rowspace raised $50M in seed and Series A funding led by Sequoia to help financial firms leverage proprietary data for decisions via structured and unstructured data integration. It supports portfolio monitoring, deal evaluation, and credit optimization for firms managing billions in assets.
Accessible via Excel, Teams, or data infrastructure, it scales in San Francisco and New York.
Bitcoin Surges 6% to $68,164 in Best Rally in 10 Months
Bitcoin traded at $68,164 on February 26, 2026, after a 6.04% gain—the second-best session since May 2025—prompting questions on potential further drops despite momentum. The rally extends recent gains amid market volatility.
Analysts note a 30% downside forecast remains possible.
DBS and Visa Partner for Agentic Commerce Trials in Asia Pacific
DBS Group and Visa are collaborating to advance agentic commerce trials across Asia Pacific, highlighting key fintech partnerships in February 2026. This initiative focuses on innovative payment and commerce solutions.
It ranks among the month's top stories.
Banco Ganadero Teams with TerraPay for Real-Time Remittances
Bolivia's Banco Ganadero partnered with TerraPay to enable real-time remittance rails, enhancing cross-border transfers. The collaboration improves efficiency for international payments.
It features in February's top fintech partnerships.
PTSB Adopts Red Hat OpenShift for Platform Enhancement
PTSB partnered with Red Hat to implement the OpenShift platform, boosting operational capabilities in fintech infrastructure. This move supports scalable technology adoption.
It's one of February 2026's leading partnership stories.
b1Bank Deploys AI Agents via Covecta Partnership
b1Bank implemented AI agents with Covecta to streamline operations and decision-making. The partnership leverages AI for banking efficiency.
It stands out in the month's top fintech collaborations.
Bank of America Partners LSEG for Enhanced Market Insights
Bank of America tapped London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) to improve market insights for clients through advanced data and analytics. This alliance strengthens competitive intelligence in finance.
It's highlighted among February's key partnerships.
OFSI Targets Crypto for Sanctions Evasion
The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation launched a Crypto Cash Fusion Cell with law enforcement to combat cryptoasset use in sanctions evasion. It treats crypto evasion like traditional currency exploitation.
The initiative signals strict enforcement to the sector.